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Check out 10 Spanish LGBTQIA+ rappers selected from the 143 Spanish artists and the 476 LGBTQIA+ artists listed on Madame Rap !

Spain is not just synonymous with sun, beach and paella. It is also a country that proudly flies the LGBTQI+ flag and is a benchmark for rights and equality. The figures speak for themselves:

On the equality podium: Spain is the third most LGBT-friendly country in the world and the fourth in Europe (LGBT Equality Index 2023/ILGA Europe 2024).

Love is love, and Spain has been celebrating it since 2005: almost two decades ago, Spain made history by becoming the third country in the world to legalize marriage and adoption for same-sex couples, thus paving the way for equality and family diversity.

Access to ART for all: In 2021, Spain took another step forward by guaranteeing access to assisted reproductive technology for all women, regardless of their sexual orientation or marital status.

Trans law, a step towards self-determination: In 2023, the Spanish Parliament passed a law that authorizes gender self-determination from the age of 16 and prohibits conversion therapies, practices that violate the dignity and freedom of individuals.

A country that supports equality: 87% of Spanish citizens believe that LGBTQI+ people should have the same rights and freedoms as heterosexual people (Eurobarometer 2023).

Madrid, the world capital of pride: The Madrid Pride Parade (MADO) is a unique celebration. In 2017, it attracted 3.5 million visitors, making it the third largest pride parade in the world, behind New York and São Paulo.

Spain is working to build a fairer and more inclusive society, where everyone can love and live freely. This openness is also reflected in its music scene, particularly in rap, where more and more LGBTQI+ artists are raising their voices and celebrating diversity.

 

Ptazeta

Hailing from the Canary Islands, Ptazeta has won over audiences with her blunt lyrics and unique style. Openly lesbian, her music combines rap, reggaeton and trap and celebrates LGBTQI+ visibility. From “Mami” to her collaboration with Lali, she continues to inspire and push the music scene forward.

Arkano

A true freestyle master, Arkano identifies as bisexual and uses his music to celebrate diversity. He is one of Spain’s most respected freestylers, winner of the Red Bull battle and world record holder for having rapped for more than 24 hours non-stop.

Tribade

Tribade is a queer and feminist group from Barcelona, made up of Masiva Lulla, Bittah and DJ Big Mark, which celebrates non-normative identities and uses its music as a political tool. While their music mixes rap, reggaeton and R’n’B, their lyrics address issues of gender, sexuality and social justice from an intersectional and anti-capitalist perspective.

K1za

From guitar to rap, K1za has come a long way. Her viral track “Contrato” opened the doors of the music scene to her, where she distinguished herself with her EP Agua y Tiza, which explores the theme of mental health. With her characteristic raspy voice, the Madrid rapper has established herself as one of the most promising Spanish rap artists.

Yer

Yer is known for his melodic flow and introspective lyrics. The artist prefers not to publicly label his sexual orientation, defending fluidity and self-determination. His music fuses elements of rap with alternative sounds, creating a unique style that has won over his audience.

Sara Socas

Sara Socas is one of the leading figures in Spanish rap. Originally from Tenerife, this openly lesbian freestyler and rapper has managed to break down barriers and pave the way for women in hip hop. After a successful career in rap battles, she released her first studio album TFN-MAD in 2023.

Las Bajas Pasiones

Las Bajas Pasiones, a group made up of Trusty, Edu Libra and Toni Taboo, mixes electro, rap and pop, advocates for the diversity of identities and fights for the visibility of LGTBIQ+ people in music. Their concerts are a true catharsis, capable of transforming any space into a protest party or a festive protest.

Jimena Amarillo

Jimena Amarillo says she makes “music for lesbians”. After studying violin and guitar, the Valencian rapper discovered a passion for composition by creating songs inspired by her personal experiences. Her albums Cómo decirte, mi amor and La pena no es cómoda have made her one of the key figures of the new Spanish scene.

Andra Venus

Andra Venus is much more than a rapper, singer and producer. This transgender artist based in Seville uses her music to express her identity. Between rap, R’n’B and hyperpop, her introspective lyrics explore her emotions and celebrate freedom. Her goal: to create a safe space on the music scene and shake up its codes.

Tristan Simone

Tristan Simone does not fit the typical rapper profile, and that is undoubtedly the reason for his success. This openly gay Spanish artist first performed at the Lollapalooza festival before releasing his first album and making himself known to the public. He is now taking the American music scene by storm with a style that fuses rap, jazz, gospel and flamenco, defying gender norms.

Although less visible than male rappers, women have been part of the Nigerian rap scene for over thirty-five years.

Among them are Weird MC, active since 1990, who raps in English and Yoruba, Sasha P, active since the early 2000s and nicknamed the “First Lady of Nigerian Hip Hop”, and Mo’Cheddah, who gained recognition in 2010 with her first single “If You Want Me”.

These pioneers have paved the way for other artists who challenge stereotypes and use their music to address societal issues, advocating for women’s rights, and reshaping the music scene in Nigeria and worldwide.

Here are 10 female rappers you should be following, selected from the 33 Nigerian artists listed on Madame Rap.

Eva Alordiah

Known for her incisive lyrics, Eva Alordiah has carved out a place among the country’s most respected female rappers thanks to hits like “High” and “I Done Dit It”. Beyond music, she stands out in fashion and gives lectures, using her fame to inspire young women to embrace their individuality and pursue their dreams.

Muna

Rapper, singer-songwriter, model, and TV presenter, Muna (real name Munachi Gail Teresa Nwankwo) gained recognition in 2010 with singles “I Feel Real” and “Killer Queen”. Her lyrics, which often address women’s empowerment and self-confidence, resonate with the younger generation. She also participated in BET Nigeria cyphers in 2011 and 2012 and was a judge for the rap contest “Nokia Don’t Break The Beat”.

Sasha P

Known as the “First Lady of Nigerian Hip Hop”, Sasha P started with Trybe Records in 2001, then released the album First Lady in 2008. The track “Adara” earned her the “Best Female Artist” award at the 2009 Women in Entertainment Awards in the UK. In 2010, she became the first Nigerian artist to win the “Best Female Artist” award at the MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA). Although she has taken a break since 2013, she remains a key figure in the national rap scene.

Kel

Originally from Umudike Umuahia in Abia State, Kel is known for her hits “Wa Wa Alright”, “You Too Fine”, and “Give It To Me”. In 2007, she caught the attention of video director Clarence Peters, who signed her to his label, Capital Hill Music. After her first album The Investment in 2009, she took a musical break due to a conflict with her management. She returned in 2014 and confirmed her status as a reference on the Nigerian scene, with her music blending rap, afro-pop, and R&B.

SixSaidIt

Born in London, SixSaidIt moved to Nigeria at the age of 4, then to Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York. Due to her cosmopolitan background, the rapper-singer-songwriter incorporates many cultural influences into her music. Since the beginning of her career in 2019, she has been committed to showcasing this diversity by offering an “out-of-the-box” style that appeals to a wide audience.

Phlow

Phlow started rapping during her studies and was part of a gospel rap group. Equally comfortable in rap and singing, the versatile artist began collaborating with Str8Buttah productions and participates in the weekly online show “Don’t Drop The Mic”. Her music often explores themes such as love, self-discovery, and resilience.

Deto Black

Based in Lagos, Deto Black is one of the leading figures of the Alté movement. Nigerian slang for “alternative”, this genre fuses elements of afrobeat, pop, rap, R&B, soul, and dancehall. The artist made her first appearance in 2020 with a feature on Odunsi’s single “Body Count” alongside Amaarae and Gigi Atlantis. Her lyrics, which question societal norms and celebrate individuality, make her a major voice for underrepresented and marginalized people.

Moyoswrld

Rapper, singer, and songwriter, Moyoswrld describes her music as “afro-rage”. Her style, which encompasses rap, punk, and afrofusion, makes her a key figure in the alternative scene. Thanks to this unique universe, a constant process of visual and sonic experimentation, and a great ability to tell stories, the artist has managed to build a solid fan community.

SGaWd

Also known as Seddy, SGaWD was destined for a career as a lawyer in Miami before turning to music. She released her first track “Feel Right” in 2020 and collaborated extensively during the pandemic. Versatile, she navigates rap, dancehall, and Alté, and her lyrics freely address themes such as self-love and women’s independence.

Deela

Originally from Lagos, Deela grew up in Nigeria before moving to the UK. She started making music in 2020, heavily influenced by trap, afrobeat, and early 2000s-2010s rap. Between ego trip on the track “Talkin’ Shit” and an ode to singlehood with the song “Get A Grip”, her uncompromising lyrics deal with sexuality and power and celebrate the freedom to be who you want to be.

Since the 1990s, when pioneers like Ximbo and Jezzy P first grabbed the mic, female rappers in Mexico have been fighting for recognition in a male-dominated scene. These trailblazers faced sexism, limited opportunities, and stereotypes about women in rap.

Today, other artists are building on their legacy, tackling social issues through their lyrics and gaining international acclaim. While challenges persist, the current generation of female MCs is reshaping the Mexican rap landscape, creating spaces for women’s voices and pushing the genre in bold new directions.

Ximbo

Ximbo, a pioneer female rapper in Mexico, has been rapping for over 20 years. She co-founded “Mujeres Trabajando”, a collective empowering women through rap, graffiti, and other creative platforms to express female perspectives on current realities. Ximbo has performed internationally and released Ohkela, an album featuring collaborations with notable artists.

Mare Advertencia Lírika

Mare Advertencia Lírika, from Mexico’s Zapotec region, fuses poetry with rap to raise awareness about women’s issues. In 2007, she co-founded Oaxaca’s first female rap group, Advertencia Lírika, before going solo. Now, she’s a renowned activist for women’s rights, minorities, and the poor, using her rhymes to fight misogyny and discrimination.

Yoss Bones

Hailing from Salamanca, Guanajuato, Yoss Bones is the first woman signed by Alzada, one of Mexico’s top rap labels. Blending rap with R&B and pop-rock, her versatile style shines in collaborations across more than 20 countries. Hit songs like “Alto calibre” showcase her unique approach and personal lyrics, captivating fans worldwide.

Niña Dioz

Mexico’s first openly lesbian rapper, Niña Dioz has been an activist for 15 years. Since 2007, she’s created spaces for queer artists in Latin America. With four albums, including Reyna (2018) and Amor, Locura y otros vicios (2021), she fights for visibility and freedom, challenging norms in Mexico’s urban music scene.

Masta Quba

Masta Quba, a rapper, feminist activist, and Hip Hop educator uses her music to advocate for social change and gender equality. She’s gained recognition across Mexico, Central America and Spain, where she lives now. Her lyrics address self-defense, abortion, femicide, self-healing, and self-acceptance, promoting women’s emancipation and raising awareness against gender violence.

Leazzy

Leazzy is breaking gender stigmas in hip hop. Her project “Boombarras” unites female rappers across Mexico, fostering community. Leazzy uses rap for personal healing and expression. She advocates for more spaces for women in rap, acknowledging progress while noting ongoing challenges in the industry.

Dilema

Hailing from Zacatecas, Dilema started rapping at 16 and has been active on YouTube since 2013. In 2022, she released her debut album El Dilema. She participates in written battle leagues and appeared on Cypher Effect. Recently, she was invited to “Directo de la X” sessions by Sonido Liquido in Mexico City.

Audry Funk

Audry Funk, a singer and MC from Puebla is part of the Mujeres Trabajando collective. With over 10 years in independent music, she’s performed internationally. She’s participated in major festivals like Vive Latino and uses hip hop to support at-risk youth in Puebla, addressing drug addiction and delinquency prevention.

Astrid Cruz

Born in Guadalajara, Astrid Cruz began singing at 13 but turned professional in 2018. She released her EP Room in 2019, followed by successful singles. Her 2023 debut album Distante features innovative rap over boom bap beats fused with jungle and drum and bass, showcasing her artistic growth and risk-taking approach.

Hispana

Hispana, known as “Mamba Negra,” symbolizes female empowerment in rap. Debuting in 2012, she uses verses to amplify everyday stories with a social and feminist perspective. Her work has been crucial in the rapidly growing rap music scene, establishing her as a key figure in the genre.

Check out 10 Australian female and queer rappers you should add to your playlist!

 

For a long time, Australian rap was largely dominated by men. However, female rappers have always been present, challenging stereotypes for decades to carve out a place in the industry.

The pioneers

In the 1990s, MC Trey emerged as one of the pioneers of the scene, addressing issues such as migration and cultural identity. Similarly, Maya Jupiter blends activism with music to advocate for women’s rights and social justice. Beyond breaking barriers, these artists have also inspired new generations of female rappers.

The importance of queer and Indigenous voices

Indigenous and queer voices bring undeniable richness to Australian rap, amplifying the stories of individuals who are often silenced. Artists like Barkaa, Jesswar, and BVT celebrate their identities while addressing systemic racism, colonization, and LGBTQ+ representation.

These artists challenge societal norms, provide deeper insights into the country’s cultural and colonial complexities, and ensure that hip-hop remains both a tool for activism and an inclusive art form.

With:

• BVT
• A.Girl
• DENNI
• Jesswar
• Srirachi
• Vv Pete
• Sophiya
• Barkaa
• Tkay Maidza
• Miss Kaninna